Louis van Gaal has confirmed David de Gea will not start
Manchester United's Premier League opener against Tottenham due to
the distraction of his potential transfer to Real Madrid.

De Gea has continually been linked with a move to the Santiago
Bernabeu throughout the transfer window, and Van Gaal revealed on
Friday that he does not think the Spain goalkeeper is in the
correct frame of mind to play at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"De Gea will not play - a player is also a human being," said
the Dutchman.

"He cannot manage that. We will have to see who starts."

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who joined United from
Sampdoria last month, could start in place of De Gea.

Sam Johnstone, who started United's pre-season friendlies
against Club America and San Jose Earthquakes, is Van Gaal's other
goalkeeping option.

Van Gaal also announced that new signing Bastian Schweinsteiger
and defender Marcos Rojo will also miss out against Tottenham as
they continue to work on their fitness.

Despite De Gea's absence, former Netherlands boss Van Gaal - who
also spoke of his delight at Ashley Young penning a new three-year
deal - was in upbeat mood ahead of the new Premier League
season.

"I think we are far better now than last year when we started,
so I have a lot of confidence," he added.

"When we play in the same style and at the same level as the
last six months of last season, then we can make a good year."